致命
zhìmìng · HSK 7
fatal
☠️ 致 cause + 命 life = something that strikes at your life, i.e. fatal
致 means to bring about or cause; 命 means life or fate. Together 致命 is to bring an end to life: deadly, mortal, fatal. A 致命伤 is a death-blow, a wound that ends the life.
致 — arrive 至 + strike/go 攵
Originally a compound of 至 (to arrive, showing an arrow reaching the ground) and 攵 (a hand with a stick, indicating action). Together they suggested 'to cause to arrive' or 'to send/deliver,' which broadened into modern senses like 'to send, devote, or bring about.'
命 — 亼 (gather) + 卩 (kneeling person) + 口 (mouth)
Originally depicted a kneeling figure receiving an oral command from above, combining 令 (order) with an added 口 (mouth) for emphasis. The image of authority issuing decrees extended from 'command' to 'mandate' and then 'destiny, life,' as one's fate was seen as decreed by Heaven.